Punjab Land Pooling Policy
The Punjab government’s Land Pooling Policy, 2025, aims to promote planned urban development by pooling over 40,000 acres of farmland. This policy offers landowners developed residential and commercial plots in exchange for their pooled land. However, it has triggered widespread protests, especially from small farmers, who feel the policy favours large landowners and private developers. The debate marks urbanisation challenges, agricultural land preservation, and farmers’ rights in Punjab.
Overview of the Land Pooling Policy
The policy is a voluntary land acquisition model. Landowners pool their farmland to enable planned urban growth. For every acre pooled, landowners receive a 1,000 sq yard residential plot and a 200 sq yard commercial plot. Larger contributions yield proportionally bigger developed land parcels. The policy is active in 27 cities including Ludhiana, Mohali, and Amritsar. It aims to curb illegal colonies and haphazard expansion.
Government’s Objectives and Financial Goals
The Aam Aadmi Party government seeks Rs 20,000 to 25,000 crore from this initiative. Funds are expected to support welfare schemes such as monthly payments to women. The voluntary pooling route is designed to avoid lengthy legal battles common in forced land acquisition. The policy also intends to make landowners stakeholders in urban development.
Criticism and Farmer Protests
Critics argue the policy diverts fertile farmland, risking loss of agricultural output. Experts estimate a loss of 1.5 lakh tons of paddy production due to land conversion. Opposition parties label the policy a ponzi scheme and land-grabbing. They accuse the government of favouring private developers and large landowners while ignoring small farmers’ rights.
Concerns of Small Landowners
Small farmers in Mohali and other regions claim the policy reduces their land compensation. They receive smaller residential plots and no commercial land, unlike earlier schemes. This devaluation threatens their livelihoods, as many depend solely on agriculture. Political leaders from Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal support these concerns and demand policy amendments.
Legal and Social Implications
The policy lacks safeguards found in the Central Land Acquisition Act, 2013. Small landowners fear discrimination and loss of livelihood without adequate compensation or resettlement. Protests and political opposition have intensified, with promises to challenge the policy legally if needed. The debate puts stress on the tension between urbanisation and agricultural sustainability.
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